“He has an air of pride about his work and he’s very welcoming to customers. He’s been here for more than 15 years and some regular customers come here to chat with John.”

John Lower aged 85 who has been an employee of McDonalds for 15 years, he is pictured at the Coryton restaurant in Cardiff Pic Andrew James 04 08 15

Born in the Cathays area of Cardiff, he grew up with his mother, aunt and uncle after his father was killed at war in Dunkirk and his younger brother died after suffering fluid on the lungs at the age of six.

Mr Lower spent most of his adult life working for engineering companies in Cardiff, initially as an apprentice, then as an auto electrician and finally as technical advisor to the managing director.

He has two sons with his late wife Margaret, who worked as a sister at the Ear Nose and Throat of the University Hospital of Wales. Margaret lost her battle to cancer 20 years ago and he then moved from their family home in Whitchurch to a maisonette in Rhiwbina.